Seniors to the NFL

Globetrotter · Post by **Globetrotter** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:55 pm

I think last year we had Lichtensteiger go to the Broncos and then no one else sign a deal if I remember correctly. Here is a look at my take on this years seniors as they move on or don't. Keep in mind there is now an 80 player limit on players for training camps.

DE Dyral Briggs: Has the best chance and should get a CFA contract. Consistently active and productive at DE. Anyone think he can transition to LB? 40 time could be a big deal for him

LB Erique Dozier: I think he is a poor mans Khary Campbell but I might be putting Campbell on a pedestal. He made plays and got his body in LB shape. If he can add ten pounds he could make it in the same role as Kary did. I would bet he is #2 when it comes to potential pro chances.

Ath-Anthony Turner: He could get a look as well with his athleticism. just scratching the surface of his ability at WR or RB, a perfect candidate for the practice squad.

LB John Haneline: Very productive and solid but may not be athletic enough,

WR Corey Partridge: If a team would give him a chance after he rehabs I think they would reep a very solid possession receiver. The likelihood of that happening is slim.

DB Antonio Smith and Kenny Lewis: Lots of starts and stats for these two but they will likely come up a bit short when it comes to speed.

K-Siniso Vrivilo: stud kicker who regressed as a senior. Not sure how the Kicker group is for 2009 but he could get a look

MarkL · Post by **MarkL** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 11:02 pm

From a very reliable source, Sinisa, has had at least one NFL team contact him.

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 11:43 pm

Sadly, I don't believe any of these guys will stick.

NY-BG-FAN · Post by **NY-BG-FAN** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 12:05 am

Briggs has to be the favorite out of that group to make an NFL roster/practice squad.

FlyingBurrito4 · Post by **FlyingBurrito4** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 1:56 am

This site projects Briggs as a 5th-6th round pick:

http://www.nfldraftu.net/rankings/de.shtml#briggs

hammb · Post by **hammb** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 9:57 am

Briggs has potential as a 3-4 OLB, and with 9 or 10 teams running a 3-4 nowadays there is hope he could be a very late pick, or for sure he'll get a shot as a UDFA. The rest of the guys? I suppose they might get invited to camp, but I don't think any of them make it past the first cuts. Vrvillo would probably be my #2 choice, but he didn't have a real great season.

Briggs' problem is that he's going to need to bulk up to even play the 3-4 OLB in the NFL. If he can do that and retain his quickness he'll get a shot at a practice squad/roster spot. If bulking up costs him his speed he'll be using his BG degree just like the rest of these guys.

Jacobs4Heisman · Post by **Jacobs4Heisman** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 10:56 am

It didn't sound to me like Corey would even try for the NFL.

Other than Briggs, you're dreaming on the rest of the guys.

Ryan Autullo · Post by **Ryan Autullo** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 2:19 pm

I have no idea if Kenny Lewis has what NFL teams are looking for, but if it doesn't work out for him it won't be for a lack of speed. Kid is a blur in the open field.

Briggs will get a chance to do something, but ideally you'd like to see him bulk up.

tiznow · Post by **tiznow** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:50 pm

Ryan Autullo wrote:I have no idea if Kenny Lewis has what NFL teams are looking for, but if it doesn't work out for him it won't be for a lack of speed. Kid is a blur in the open field.

Briggs will get a chance to do something, but ideally you'd like to see him bulk up.

I agree Lewis made the Pittsburgh Post Gazette top 33 team as a senior in high school. His height of 5'10 is the reason I think he was overlooked by Pitt and Penn State. (I sound like Falcon Boy) The guy is a playmaker.

Briggs had multiple sack games against Pitt and Minnesota which helps.